Scouting report: vs. Mavericks

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1.D the J: The Mavericks feasted early against the Rockets in the preseason with mid-range jump shots, especially by Jose Calderon, with the Rockets’ big men slow to help in their first game playing together. Dallas made 57 percent of its shots, 62.3 percent inside the arc, against Atlanta.

2.Depth thoughts: With James Harden (sore back, wrist) and Pat Beverley (bruised ribs) both listed as day-to-day, the Rockets might need to rely on their backcourt depth. Jeremy Lin and Francisco Garcia picked up the slack Wednesday when Beverley left and Harden was hobbled. But even with the hot shooting of Lin and Garcia, the Rockets needed Harden’s return plus a fourth-quarter run to put away the Bobcats.

3.Pick and pop out: Josh McRoberts led the Bobcats in scoring by firing away from the perimeter, while the Rockets, and particularly Dwight Howard, stayed in the lane. McRoberts has never been confused for Dirk Nowitzki, who will force the Rockets to defend 24 feet from the rim.